SILVA TRAIL RUNNER Free Ultra headtorch – a glowing review
A reliable headtorch is a staple for any ultra runner. Unlike a lot of headtorches we’ve had previously, we were immediately impressed with how lightweight and considered the SILVA trail runner free ultra was – an ode to impeccable Swedish craftsmanship. There’s no bulky battery pack weighing down on your forehead – instead a compact, feather light torch conveniently placed on a rotating swivel. The ‘free technology’ headband feels good quality, comfortable and has the power cord cleverly integrated within the band itself, meaning no loose cables or wires in your face when you’re tired and 50 miles into a race. Without missing a trick, they have coated the inner headband with a thin strip of none slip material to keep the headtorch in a fixed position whilst you’re moving along the trails.
Arguably the most important feature of the SILVA trail runner free ultra is the intelligent light. With 400 true lumen this torch really does shine! Where we live in Cumbria there are no streetlights but fear not – during the dark winter months this headtorch has become an essential on every single run, as its long reach lights up the fells. With three brightness levels, the maximum mode can reach up to 80 metres ahead, leaving you running through the night with confidence.
Next let’s talk about battery life. The SILVA trail runner free ultra comes with a multitude of charging options – perfect to suit a variety of runs, from your mid-week trail run to your ultra marathon. The hybrid battery case can carry either AAA batteries or the USB-C rechargeable SILVA hybrid battery (sold separately). The case also has rear red safety light for added visibility – essential if you’re unfortunate enough to run on the road and need to be visible. Battery life varies depending on charging method but at max power it will burn for 9 hours (in +20°C heat) or, for anyone UK based 5 hours in temperatures down to -5°C.
You can preserve battery life by dropping down to minimum mode (50 lumen / 20m reach) where it will give you up to an incredible 23 hours of light. Disclaimer: we’re yet to trial it for the full duration but for what we have tested, it’s been a very reliable piece of kit. One of our favourite features is the battery extension cord; allowing you to detach the battery case from the back of the headband and pop it in your running pack or coat jacket – alleviating weight on the head – what a genius invention and one we imagine will be invaluable when you’re out for long periods of time. Final note on the battery; when you go to turn off the headtorch a green or red light will appear to indicate how much power you have left!
In case you hadn’t grasped from our glowing review – we’re struggling to find anything negative to say about this headtorch. We feel it’s a great choice for trail and ultra runners, providing unrivalled visibility over even the most testing terrains. Find out more about the Silva trail runner free ultra at https://silvasweden.uk/products/trail-runner-free-ultra
Review by The Running Nomads for Ultrarunner Magazine.
